Trgovac is rooting for Jolly to succeed

May 28, 2013

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Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac has a soft spot in his heart for Johnny Jolly and would love nothing more than to see the defensive lineman make a successful comeback.

“Johnny was just a good solid hard-nosed football player, so we’ll see if he still has it,” said Trgovac. “I’m rooting for him, I’m very proud of what he’s done, even if he wasn’t back here. My intention was to just stay in touch with him because he’s a good person that I care about.”

Jolly, 30, served a three-year suspension after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He is attempting to return to the Packers but hasn’t been in attendance at OTAs yet.

“I am eagerly anticipating (his return) just because I like Johnny so much,” said Trgovac on Tuesday following the Packers’ OTA practice. “I’ve stayed in contact with him within the rules and so I’m just happy for him with what he’s able to do and able to bounce back like he did. Now from there, we’ll have to see what happens. I don’t have a clue on what’s going to happen. But I’m excited to see him because I like him personally so much. I’ll be the one rooting for him. I don’t know what he’s going to be able to do. I’ve never had an experience of a guy laid off this long.”

Trgovac isn’t ruling anything out when it comes to Jolly.

“If anybody can do it, Johnny can do it because Johnny loves the game,” said Trgovac.

“The way he played, his style of play, I’m hoping that he can bring it back.”

Trgovac knows how much Jolly has missed playing with the Packers.

“Nobody loves football more than Johnny Jolly so that’s why this had to be hard for him,” said Trgovac. “So when Johnny played on Sunday, that’s what he lived for. He loved the game. … hopefully he can still have that burning desire.”